Statement from Mayor Joe Anderson regarding the Santa Dash

Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool said: “The Santa Dash is a great event which Liverpool people have taken to their hearts and who themselves raise thousands and thousands of pounds for charities of their choice. The city hosts many large events and we have to be fair and apply the same rules to BTR as we do to any others.

“Previously we have been able to support events of this kind, but the council simply cannot subsidise a private company when we are trying to balance the funding needs of services like Children’s Centres, Adult Social Care and libraries. We are sure the public will understand that no money will be lost to charity.

“The city council works very closely with event organisers all year round and we are disappointed that Mr Rothwell chose to play this out in the media.”

“This year, however, I have decided that the money that would have been raised from parking charges for this event will go to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and I would be delighted if BTR matches the donation from their hefty profits.”

Liverpool Waterfront